State Authorization Compliance

Student Complaint and Grievance Process

Student grievances against Elizabeth City State University, including claims that their rights under law or university policy have been violated, may be resolved by a two-step process.

Step 1 – All Students (Excluding Military Affiliated Students):

The initial responsibility for the complaint resides with the institution. Thus, your first step as a student, regardless of residency, is to follow Elizabeth City State University Student Grievance Procedures. Student complaints and grievances can be submitted by using the ECSU Fillable Complaint Form (Select Report - Other Concern option).

Contact Information for Academic Grievances:

Ms. Lora Ann Barclift
Division of Academic Affairs
Elizabeth City State University
308 Marion D. Thorpe Administration Bldg.
Campus Box 893
1704 Weeksville Rd
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Phone: (252) 335-3583
Email: lebarclift@ecsu.edu

Contact Information for Student Complaints and Grievance Process

Division of Academic Affairs
Elizabeth City State University
310  Marion D. Thorpe Administration Building
Campus Box 893
Phone: 252-335-3187
Fax: 252-335-3493
E-mail: mranderson@ecsu.edu

Contact information relating to non-academic grievances can be found on the Safe ECSU website

Step 2 – Your Residency Determines Your Next Step:

• Most Out-of-State Students: If your complaint is not resolved at the institutional level (Step 1), then out-of-state students residing in NC-SARA (National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) states, which includes all states except California, may submit complaints to SARA-North Carolina. SARA-North Carolina operates under NCSEAA (North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority). Access the Complaint Form at SARA-North Carolina Student Complaint Process web page.

• Contact Information for NCSEAA c/o SARA North Carolina:
     P.O. Box 14103
     Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
     Toll free: 855.SARA.1.NC (727.2162)
     Local: 919.549.8614, ext. 4667
     Fax: 919.248.6667
     Email: information@saranc.org

Although students are required to file their complaints with SARA-NC, students can also submit a complaint to their home state as well. Students who reside in California must file a complaint against the institution in their home state of California.  Students living outside of North Carolina, also have the right to file a complaint in their home state as well. If you wish to file a complaint in your home state regarding an institutional complaint, please view your State and agency Contacts.

• North Carolina Residents: If your complaint is not resolved at the institutional level (Step 1), then you may refer your complaint to the North Carolina Post-Secondary Education Complaint Process of the Licensure Division of the University of North Carolina System Office. The policy is at Student Complaint Policy (PDF); the complaint form is at Student Complaint Form (PDF).

• Contact Information for North Carolina Post Secondary Education Complaints:
     North Carolina Post Secondary Education Complaints
     c/o Student Complaints
     University of North Carolina System Office
     910 Raleigh Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27515-2688
     Phone: 919.962.4550
     Email: studentcomplaint@northcarolina.edu

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